Welcome to the internet site of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (better known as OPA or simply "P&A"). P&A is an independent State agency created to safeguard and advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities in Connecticut. Part of a nationwide network of protection and advocacy systems, the Office operates under both State and federal legislative mandates to:

provide information, referral, and advocacy services;

pursue legal and administrative remedies on behalf of people with disabilities who experience disability-related discrimination;

investigate allegations of abuse and neglect that arise in specific service settings or that affect individuals with particular disabilities; and,

provide education, information and training on disability rights to policy makers, advocacy groups and members of the public.

Fact 25 - July 31, 2015
The State Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (P&A) is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with 25 facts about this significant law that provides civil rights protections for people with disabilities.

On June 24, 2015, the OPA attorneys were recognized and received Law Enforcement Awards from the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Connecticut, for their dedication in securing and safeguarding the civil rights of persons with disabilities.

Who Has Responsibilities under the ADA?
Title II of the ADA applies to all State and local governments and all departments, agencies, special purpose districts, and other instrumentalities of State or local government (“public entities”). It applies to all programs, services, or activities of public entities, from adoption services to zoning regulation. Title II entities that contract with other entities to provide public services (such as non-profit organizations that operate drug treatment programs or convenience stores that sell state lottery tickets) also have an obligation to ensure that their contractors do not discriminate against people with disabilities.

Bill to reduce use of restraint and seclusion in schools passes House and Senate. The bill, Senate Bill 927, passed the House and Senate with only one no vote. The bill applies to all children, not just those receiving special education services, and no longer allows seclusion to be part of a student's education plan. Beginning July 1, 2015 restraint and seclusion will only be used by trained professionals and will only be used in emergency situations. Also, life threatening prone restraints which can make breathing difficult or impossible, are prohibited.

This series was originally published online by The Connecticut Mirror. Arielle Levin Becker, a reporter for The Mirror, wrote these articles while participating in the National Health Journalism Fellowship, a program of USC's Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. With permission from the CT Mirror, the Children's Fund of Connecticut (CHDI's parent organization) printed and distributed the "Starting Early" series.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The State of Connecticut is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities and persons with disabilities.